CONTRIBUTIONS

A veteran parliamentarian, Shri. PKV has been elected to Kerala Legislative Assembly twice and Lok Sabha four times. He was elected to the Kerala Legislative Assembly from Alleppey in 1977 as well as in 1980. He served as the Minister for Industries in the cabinet of both Shri. K. Karunakaran and Shri. A.K. Antony during the period from April 1977 to October 1978. He succeeded Shri. A.K. Antony as the Chief Minister of Kerala on October 29, 1978. However, he resigned on October 7, 1979 in order to create a favourable atmosphere, for the formation of a Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala. While being a member in the KLA, he was the Chairman, Committee of Privileges from 1978 to 1979 and Chairman of PUC during 1980-82.

        Shri. PKV was elected to LokSabha from Thiruvalla in 1957, from Ambalappuzha in 1962 and from Peerumedu in 1967. He had come to the election fray again in 2004 and had been elected to the 14th LokSabha from Thiruvananthapuram with a considerable majority, for a fourth term. Previously he was also in the panel of Chairmen, LokSabha during 1967-70. He was Secretary, CPI Parliamentary party in LokSabha for a long period from 1957 to 1970. He has served in a number of important Committees of Parliament as well. He was also the leader of CPI in Parliament and had chaired the Committee of Labour during 2004-05. Widely admired as an efficient organiser, PKV apart from being a political leader, has participated in various social and cultural activities. He was at the helm of affairs of some widely known cultural organizations and institutions like KPAC. He served as the President of the prestigious Vayalar Ramavarma Trust. He has left an indelible mark in the field of journalism as Editor of ‘Janayugom ‘ daily during 1954-57. He has published a number of books on political issues and has also authored a biographical work. He had also served as the Editor of ‘Navayugom’ political weekly of CPI, Kerala State Council.